This week was not quite as strong as the last couple, but not a bad week either.
Mon 1/21: I went to an hour long boot camp class. And let me tell you, boot camp is a good butt kicking! Anything from balance and strength exercises, intervals of moves like mountain climbers, burpies, and bear crawl, running steps and laps around the track, to lunges and jumping rope .... Honestly, I had to cut either reps or intervals of probably half the class. So, I'm a little turned off and a little challenged to go back!
Tues 1/22: I went to Pilates and then really wanted to run, but after trying for 10 minutes bealized I just didn't have it in me!
Wed 1/23: I was lucky enough to get a spot in Cyclebox! 50 minutes of cycling and kickboxing intervals. I like it because in the midst of the class, you feel it. But it doesn't knock you out completely! Reminds me of the effort of a solid run, actually.
Thurs 1/24: Ended up as a rest day - literally. After gymnastics and supper, I was sitting on the chair with Ava. I could feel I was getting tired, but figured I'd be okay. Well, ended up falling asleep with her before 6:30 and never got up (other than to take my contacts out and move to bed!) Must've been tired. Thankfully, I had worked out 4 days prior.
Fri 1/25: Still kept my Friday rest day.
Sat 1/26: ran 3.1 miles on the track at the Y. Was hoping for 4, but felt like this was a good effort.
Sun 1/27: was looking forward to Pilates, especially after missing it on Thursday. But over a half a inch of freezing rain had different plans. I decided slipping and sliding across town wasn't worth it. I did clean the majority of the house though .....
I'm feeling pretty good about Saturday's run, and hoping that means I can turn this corner of not wanting to run. We'll see - because I am also enjoying the classes. Looking for the balance.
How do you keep your workouts balanced?
Monday, January 28, 2013
Monday, January 21, 2013
Weekly Re-Cap: 1/14 - 1/20
Mon 1/14: Rest. What can I say? It was Monday! I was tired. I had worked out 6 days the week before!
Tues 1/15: I did my 40 minute Pilates Mix class and 30 min on the indoor track at the Y. I walked 1 lap, ran 1, walked 1, ran 2, walked 1, ran 3, walked 1, ran 4, walked 1, ran 5, walked 2 all in 30 minutes. Just over 2 miles.
Wed 1/16: I did a 60 min cardio workout: 20 on the elliptical, 20 on the treadmill, and 20 on the bike.
Thurs 1/17: Arrived early at the Y so I started with 10 min on the elliptical, then went to Pilates Mix, and ended with 30 more minutes on the elliptical.
Fri 1/18: rest
Sat 1/19: Not really a rest day, but the closest I came to a workout was going on a walk with Ava. Chad was gone most of the day, and I just decided to stay low key.
Sun 1/20: Pilates Mix. I was hoping to follow it up with some cardio, but just wasn't feeling it.
Overall, not a bad week. Again, loving the fitness classes right now and not loving trying to fit in more cardio inside. Ready for spring and outdoor running!
Tues 1/15: I did my 40 minute Pilates Mix class and 30 min on the indoor track at the Y. I walked 1 lap, ran 1, walked 1, ran 2, walked 1, ran 3, walked 1, ran 4, walked 1, ran 5, walked 2 all in 30 minutes. Just over 2 miles.
Wed 1/16: I did a 60 min cardio workout: 20 on the elliptical, 20 on the treadmill, and 20 on the bike.
Thurs 1/17: Arrived early at the Y so I started with 10 min on the elliptical, then went to Pilates Mix, and ended with 30 more minutes on the elliptical.
Fri 1/18: rest
Sat 1/19: Not really a rest day, but the closest I came to a workout was going on a walk with Ava. Chad was gone most of the day, and I just decided to stay low key.
Sun 1/20: Pilates Mix. I was hoping to follow it up with some cardio, but just wasn't feeling it.
Overall, not a bad week. Again, loving the fitness classes right now and not loving trying to fit in more cardio inside. Ready for spring and outdoor running!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Measurements
I have talked before about my history of gaining weight, losing weight, gaining weight, and recently losing it again!
In 2008, when I lost 15-20 pounds, I also took measurements. I was using Spark People (www.sparkpeople.com) to track my weight, count my calories, and keep myself motivated. Measurements were just another option they made easy to track.
This past fall, when I hit my lowest weight, I was finally back to where I had gotten in 2008. I wanted to compare measurements then, just never got around to it. Earlier this week, I finally made myself do it.
Here's the comparison:
Bust: 2008 - 37.5" Now-36"
Waist: 2008-36.25" Now 35.25"
Hips: 2008-40" Now-38"
Thigh: 2008-24.75" Now-24"
Calf: 2008-16" Now-14.5"
Bicep: 2008-12.5" Now-11"
Neck: 2008-15" Now-13"
Wrist: 2008-6.75" Now-6"
One number that is appalling ... and that I didn't have written down from 2008 .... my stomach. I have always had what I call the "tire tube" shape. Average arms and upper body. Average lower body. But the mid-section, I carry like I wear a tube. At the belly button is 42".
Since October, I gained 7 pounds back. Yet, all of my measurements are still smaller than they were in 2008. I was able to stick to exercise more consistently this time around, which is a huge factor I'm sure. I am most proud that these are from one (or so) years pre-pregnancy compared to almost 3 years post-pregnancy.
Naturally, these are not ideal numbers. I am working to lost more weight, and would love to see these numbers go down, too! Such motivation to see the numbers side by side.
What accomplishments are you most proud of right now?
In 2008, when I lost 15-20 pounds, I also took measurements. I was using Spark People (www.sparkpeople.com) to track my weight, count my calories, and keep myself motivated. Measurements were just another option they made easy to track.
This past fall, when I hit my lowest weight, I was finally back to where I had gotten in 2008. I wanted to compare measurements then, just never got around to it. Earlier this week, I finally made myself do it.
Here's the comparison:
Bust: 2008 - 37.5" Now-36"
Waist: 2008-36.25" Now 35.25"
Hips: 2008-40" Now-38"
Thigh: 2008-24.75" Now-24"
Calf: 2008-16" Now-14.5"
Bicep: 2008-12.5" Now-11"
Neck: 2008-15" Now-13"
Wrist: 2008-6.75" Now-6"
One number that is appalling ... and that I didn't have written down from 2008 .... my stomach. I have always had what I call the "tire tube" shape. Average arms and upper body. Average lower body. But the mid-section, I carry like I wear a tube. At the belly button is 42".
Since October, I gained 7 pounds back. Yet, all of my measurements are still smaller than they were in 2008. I was able to stick to exercise more consistently this time around, which is a huge factor I'm sure. I am most proud that these are from one (or so) years pre-pregnancy compared to almost 3 years post-pregnancy.
Naturally, these are not ideal numbers. I am working to lost more weight, and would love to see these numbers go down, too! Such motivation to see the numbers side by side.
What accomplishments are you most proud of right now?
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Weekly Re-Cap: 1/7 - 1/13
Another GREAT week, in my opinion!
Mon 1/7 - Again headed to the YMCA to run on the indoor track. I again fell short of my goal - I ran 3.17 miles in 40:52. Not a terrible time, but not my greatest time. I wanted to run 4 - I just get so bored on the little indoor loop!
Tues 1/8 - Pilates Mix. Loved it again. I felt more tired during the workout compared to last Thursday, but did not feel as sore afterwards. I like the mix of cardio and strength/polymetrics! Actually, the class reminds me a little bit of the workouts I was doing a year ago on the XBox Kinect Active game.
Wed 1/9 - I did 35 minutes on the elliptical, and got 2.55 miles in. Something basic just to keep the push going!
Thurs 1/10 - Pilates Mix. I thought about not going to Pilates tonight, and instead just working out right after Ava's gymnastics class. However, I am liking that class too much right now to skip it! So, we went home and then I headed back on my own!
Fri 1/11 - Rest (well deserved this week, if I do say so myself!)
Sat 1/12 - Cyclebox. Both the kickboxing classes and the cycling classes have been tempting me. I just wasn't sure about either one. So, I tried Cyclebox! It was good - I think it would have been better if I would have known what I was doing from the beginning. I feel like I held back a bit to start with, because I wanted to make sure I could give a good consistent effort throughout. Not knowing all the terms and directions and not knowing how hard it would get played a part in how the class went. I liked it though - and I will try it again!
Sun 1/13 - On a whim, I decided to try the Sunday afternoon Pilates Mix class too. Nothing too hard, nothing too easy. :) I also tacked on 30 minutes on the elliptical since she didn't have a lot if cardio incorporated into class. Good way to end the week!
I love the classes right now. But I do want to get back into running on a regular basis, too. Just need to find that balance! Plus, I think if I mix in more cardio with the extra conditioning, it should help the weight come off quicker!
Hoping for another fantastic week ahead!
Mon 1/7 - Again headed to the YMCA to run on the indoor track. I again fell short of my goal - I ran 3.17 miles in 40:52. Not a terrible time, but not my greatest time. I wanted to run 4 - I just get so bored on the little indoor loop!
Tues 1/8 - Pilates Mix. Loved it again. I felt more tired during the workout compared to last Thursday, but did not feel as sore afterwards. I like the mix of cardio and strength/polymetrics! Actually, the class reminds me a little bit of the workouts I was doing a year ago on the XBox Kinect Active game.
Wed 1/9 - I did 35 minutes on the elliptical, and got 2.55 miles in. Something basic just to keep the push going!
Thurs 1/10 - Pilates Mix. I thought about not going to Pilates tonight, and instead just working out right after Ava's gymnastics class. However, I am liking that class too much right now to skip it! So, we went home and then I headed back on my own!
Fri 1/11 - Rest (well deserved this week, if I do say so myself!)
Sat 1/12 - Cyclebox. Both the kickboxing classes and the cycling classes have been tempting me. I just wasn't sure about either one. So, I tried Cyclebox! It was good - I think it would have been better if I would have known what I was doing from the beginning. I feel like I held back a bit to start with, because I wanted to make sure I could give a good consistent effort throughout. Not knowing all the terms and directions and not knowing how hard it would get played a part in how the class went. I liked it though - and I will try it again!
Sun 1/13 - On a whim, I decided to try the Sunday afternoon Pilates Mix class too. Nothing too hard, nothing too easy. :) I also tacked on 30 minutes on the elliptical since she didn't have a lot if cardio incorporated into class. Good way to end the week!
I love the classes right now. But I do want to get back into running on a regular basis, too. Just need to find that balance! Plus, I think if I mix in more cardio with the extra conditioning, it should help the weight come off quicker!
Hoping for another fantastic week ahead!
Monday, January 7, 2013
Weekly Re-Cap: 12/31-1/6
First re-cap of 2013! A few of these workouts, I have already eluded to in previous posts, but wanted to have the whole week together in one spot, too!
Mon 12/31: I did 30 minutes (2.25 miles) on the elliptical, and a series of ab exercises. I think I put my abs into shock, but it felt great!
Tues 1/1: Happy New Year!
Wed 1/2: I used the indoor track at the Y, and walked/ran for approximately 2.5 miles. I was aiming for a minimum of 3 miles, but the little indoor loop became boring pretty quick. I did some chest presses, too - but then quickly left the Wellness Center as it was a bit too crowded for my liking!
Thurs 1/3: That was the night I did my Pilates Mix class! Loved it.
Fri 1/4: Rest
Sat 1/5: It was another family outing to the Y, which I loved! Ava played in the Kiddie Kove, Chad went between the Wellness Center and the track, and I went to Yoga Sculpt. I thought it was going to be slightly more like the Pilates Mix class, but it was truly just yoga with a few of the sequences done with weights. I am not the hugest fan of yoga. I do LOVE the stretching and lengthening aspect, but I don't feel like it is a workout. I have not ruled out going back - just won't be my go-to. I do think there is an aspect to yoga of needing to go on a regular basis so you know what you are doing.
Sun 1/6: Rest
Overall, satisfied with how this week went. My goal is a minimum of three workouts each week, and I started with 4! I followed through with finally adding in some strength training, and I went out of my comfort zone to try a fitness class! It just doesn't get much better.
Just a reminder that the numbers in the label below are me counting my workouts. I set a goal on my 32nd birthday to work out 260 times before I turned 33. Following my lapse in October, November, and December, that will likely not happen - but I will count them anyway!
How was your week? What are you working towards?
Mon 12/31: I did 30 minutes (2.25 miles) on the elliptical, and a series of ab exercises. I think I put my abs into shock, but it felt great!
Tues 1/1: Happy New Year!
Wed 1/2: I used the indoor track at the Y, and walked/ran for approximately 2.5 miles. I was aiming for a minimum of 3 miles, but the little indoor loop became boring pretty quick. I did some chest presses, too - but then quickly left the Wellness Center as it was a bit too crowded for my liking!
Thurs 1/3: That was the night I did my Pilates Mix class! Loved it.
Fri 1/4: Rest
Sat 1/5: It was another family outing to the Y, which I loved! Ava played in the Kiddie Kove, Chad went between the Wellness Center and the track, and I went to Yoga Sculpt. I thought it was going to be slightly more like the Pilates Mix class, but it was truly just yoga with a few of the sequences done with weights. I am not the hugest fan of yoga. I do LOVE the stretching and lengthening aspect, but I don't feel like it is a workout. I have not ruled out going back - just won't be my go-to. I do think there is an aspect to yoga of needing to go on a regular basis so you know what you are doing.
Sun 1/6: Rest
Overall, satisfied with how this week went. My goal is a minimum of three workouts each week, and I started with 4! I followed through with finally adding in some strength training, and I went out of my comfort zone to try a fitness class! It just doesn't get much better.
Just a reminder that the numbers in the label below are me counting my workouts. I set a goal on my 32nd birthday to work out 260 times before I turned 33. Following my lapse in October, November, and December, that will likely not happen - but I will count them anyway!
How was your week? What are you working towards?
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Stepping Out ....
... of my comfort zone!
Tonight, I went to my first ever group fitness class. This is really a huge accomplishment for me. I just don't have the confidence to workout in a room full of other people, feeling like I am being watched, and not knowing if I can do it or not!
Of course now that I really think about it, those feelings are about the same that I had when I first joined a gym, when I first ran a race, and when I signed up for my half-marathon!
I've eventually given in before, and I did it again!
The first one I tried was a Pilates Mix.
I don't know why this was the one that stuck out to me to try first, but it was! I am not a "yogie" or a Pilates regular, though I have tired both in the comfort of my own home. I really had no idea what to expect. The class description read:
"A mind-body connection/awareness practice and total body conditioning workout. Helps improve posture, balance, strength, flexibility, breathing, and core strength. This class incorporates exercise equipment."
It lived up to it's name! Total body? You bet - (just about every muscle group is still burning!). It started with some Pilates stretches, some planks, etc. Then moved into abs (dread hit me considering my abs were finally feeling normal!), from there went into another Pilates sequence, and then the High-Intensity Interval Training. I ran a half-marathon, but a minute of jumping jacks almost kills me! That was followed by some upper body strength, and finally a cool down routine.
It was hard, but I absolutely enjoyed it! There were probably about 10 people in the class, but once I just focused I didn't feel awkward or out of place. I think it probably helped that it is the 7:20 class. I personally liked that the lady next to me seemed new also.
I am thankful that this first experience of putting myself out there was a success! There are other classes I want to try that I know are more popular, will be full, and are earlier in the evening. I hope when I try them, the experience is the same!
Tonight, I went to my first ever group fitness class. This is really a huge accomplishment for me. I just don't have the confidence to workout in a room full of other people, feeling like I am being watched, and not knowing if I can do it or not!
Of course now that I really think about it, those feelings are about the same that I had when I first joined a gym, when I first ran a race, and when I signed up for my half-marathon!
I've eventually given in before, and I did it again!
The first one I tried was a Pilates Mix.
I don't know why this was the one that stuck out to me to try first, but it was! I am not a "yogie" or a Pilates regular, though I have tired both in the comfort of my own home. I really had no idea what to expect. The class description read:
"A mind-body connection/awareness practice and total body conditioning workout. Helps improve posture, balance, strength, flexibility, breathing, and core strength. This class incorporates exercise equipment."
It lived up to it's name! Total body? You bet - (just about every muscle group is still burning!). It started with some Pilates stretches, some planks, etc. Then moved into abs (dread hit me considering my abs were finally feeling normal!), from there went into another Pilates sequence, and then the High-Intensity Interval Training. I ran a half-marathon, but a minute of jumping jacks almost kills me! That was followed by some upper body strength, and finally a cool down routine.
It was hard, but I absolutely enjoyed it! There were probably about 10 people in the class, but once I just focused I didn't feel awkward or out of place. I think it probably helped that it is the 7:20 class. I personally liked that the lady next to me seemed new also.
I am thankful that this first experience of putting myself out there was a success! There are other classes I want to try that I know are more popular, will be full, and are earlier in the evening. I hope when I try them, the experience is the same!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
2013
Happy New Year!
Well, it has been nearly another month since I last posted. Sadly, not much has changed. Take it as you wish, but this is just not a good time of year for me. The darkness especially just throws me for a loop. And the cold. I hate coming home from work in the dark and cold - it gives me no motivation to leave the house again. Plus, with the holidays and some other things going on, I haven't been very focused.
And the scale reflects that. At the end of September, I was down to 166.6; 27 pounds lost since January 2012. My scale quit working in October, my consistency went to the wayside, and we were dealing with some other things that took all of my focus. A few weeks ago, I caved and got a new scale. Imagine my despair when I saw 7 pounds had been gained back. How can it take so long to lose the weight, and it is so easy to gain it back. So frustrating. I am determined to get back on track. Over the holidays the numbers fluctuated from 171 (in the days after I was sick last week) to 175 (the day after I got my appetite back!). This morning, I weighed in at 173.8. Still 20 pounds down from a year ago.
I am not sure what my long-term goals are for this year. There are a few things in limbo for me and my family, and only our God knows where they will lead at this point. Of course a year ago, I never would have said I was going to run a half-marathon in the past year, and I did! I will continue to strive for both physical and emotional health.
To get back on track, we made a trip to the YMCA yesterday. Yes, we! Even Chad is willing to start working out. It was odd to see him in the Wellness Center with me, but I also very much enjoyed it being a family outing. I truly hope that can become part of our weekly schedule. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical (distance was 2.25 miles), followed by some ab exercises. I haven't done ab/core strengthening in a long time! My upper ab muscles can feel it today!
With that as my jump start, I am still all about the short-term plans and goals. In this first month of the new year, I would like to:
.build consistency by working out a minimum of 3 times per week.
.lose at least half of what I gained back. (goal for Feb. 1, 2013 is 170.3)
.clean up my diet. Over the last two months, a lot of the food I was eating regularly when I lost the weight had become boring. I switched a lot of things up, but I don't think they were all the best substitutes, especially when my exercise had become scarce at the same time.
Following the KISS (keep it short and simple) strategy to start the new year on the right foot. May the year ahead be a great one for us all!
Well, it has been nearly another month since I last posted. Sadly, not much has changed. Take it as you wish, but this is just not a good time of year for me. The darkness especially just throws me for a loop. And the cold. I hate coming home from work in the dark and cold - it gives me no motivation to leave the house again. Plus, with the holidays and some other things going on, I haven't been very focused.
And the scale reflects that. At the end of September, I was down to 166.6; 27 pounds lost since January 2012. My scale quit working in October, my consistency went to the wayside, and we were dealing with some other things that took all of my focus. A few weeks ago, I caved and got a new scale. Imagine my despair when I saw 7 pounds had been gained back. How can it take so long to lose the weight, and it is so easy to gain it back. So frustrating. I am determined to get back on track. Over the holidays the numbers fluctuated from 171 (in the days after I was sick last week) to 175 (the day after I got my appetite back!). This morning, I weighed in at 173.8. Still 20 pounds down from a year ago.
I am not sure what my long-term goals are for this year. There are a few things in limbo for me and my family, and only our God knows where they will lead at this point. Of course a year ago, I never would have said I was going to run a half-marathon in the past year, and I did! I will continue to strive for both physical and emotional health.
To get back on track, we made a trip to the YMCA yesterday. Yes, we! Even Chad is willing to start working out. It was odd to see him in the Wellness Center with me, but I also very much enjoyed it being a family outing. I truly hope that can become part of our weekly schedule. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical (distance was 2.25 miles), followed by some ab exercises. I haven't done ab/core strengthening in a long time! My upper ab muscles can feel it today!
With that as my jump start, I am still all about the short-term plans and goals. In this first month of the new year, I would like to:
.build consistency by working out a minimum of 3 times per week.
.lose at least half of what I gained back. (goal for Feb. 1, 2013 is 170.3)
.clean up my diet. Over the last two months, a lot of the food I was eating regularly when I lost the weight had become boring. I switched a lot of things up, but I don't think they were all the best substitutes, especially when my exercise had become scarce at the same time.
Following the KISS (keep it short and simple) strategy to start the new year on the right foot. May the year ahead be a great one for us all!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)